+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Welcome to Seattle and the 220th Aviation Company

Welcome to Seattle and the 220th Aviation Company

Date post: 01-Jan-2022
Category:
Upload: others
View: 1 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
11
Welcome to Seattle and the 220th Aviation Company -Reconnaissance Airplane- “Catkillers” Reunion July 11-14, 2012
Transcript

Welcome to Seattle and the 220th Aviation Company -Reconnaissance Airplane-

“Catkillers” Reunion

July 11-14, 2012

Welcome from the Reunion CommitteeA sincere and hearty welcome to all Catkillers, friends and families to the 2012 Reunion of our 220th Aviation Company in Seattle and the Great Northwest.

This time of the year marks the 47th anniversary of the activation and departure of the 220th from Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base and its arrival and assignment to I Corps in Vietnam with the III Marine Amphibious Force. We especially welcome the Marine, Navy and Army AOs who are among us this year. Their presence certainly played a great part in our history of service together and our story would not be complete without them.

Since the turn of the century, while there have been many small group get-togethers known to have happened over the years, this is our fourth reunion starting in Las Vegas, Nevada to Houston, Texas to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and now to Seattle, Washington.

Since the 220th was inactivated in Da Nang in December 1971, not one of us has gotten any younger. It is only fi tting that our particular unit has been able to participate in such memorable occasions as this one.

This reunion promises to be another super event celebrating our comradeship. For a very special Army aviation company with a unique mission in time of war there are strong ties indeed that were created, maintained and still hold fast today in our cares for one another.

Enjoy your stay in the Seattle area – cherish the fellowship of once more being together with old and newly made friends – and may we carry the tradition of reunions as far into the future as possible.

May it be all that you expected it to be and more!

Your 2012 Reunion Committee Norm MacPhee - CoordinatorAl PaulsenGene WilsonCharlie WelshDarl McAllister

Lloyd OakeDick TobiasonDon Ricks Paul GarinJack Bentley

STATE OF WASHINGTON

Greetings from the Governor July 11 – 14, 2012

I am pleased to extend warm greetings to all of those attending the 2012 “Catkillers” Reunion. For those of you visiting us, it is a great privilege to welcome you to the beautiful Evergreen State. I deeply appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans, and I commend each of you for your noble character and courageous spirit. No one performs a higher or more important public service than those who pay the costly price of our freedom. Guardians of democracy, our veterans have risked their lives to protect those ideals that define us as Americans, and their sacrifice should never be far from our thoughts and prayers. It is fitting that your 2012 reunion is being held in Washington State, home to Fort Lewis—now Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where the Army’s 220th Aviation Company was organized in 1965. My husband, Mike, who is also a Vietnam veteran, and I are delighted that you are gathered here, and we hope your schedules will permit you to explore some of the exciting sights and traditions that make Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region a destination to remember. Thank you for coming, and please accept my best wishes for a memorable time of fellowship.

Sincerely,

Christine O. Gregoire Governor

Governor Gregoire’s welcome Letter

Seattle Mayor McGinn’s welcome Letter

Reunion Agenda and Schedule of Events and ActivitiesOur schedule has been designed to enable attendees to have some free time to renew friendships

and explore the local attractions this area offers individually, or as groups. Your welcome bag contains a booklet featuring special offers in the Seattle Area.

Registration Room Schedule---Room 1201---2nd Floor• Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Open 3-5 p.m.• Th ursday, July 12, 2012 Open 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.• Friday, July 13, 2012 Open 7-8 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.• Saturday, July 14, 2012 Open 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

.

Hospitality Room Schedule---Rainier Room---1st Floor• Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Open 3-11 p.m.• Th ursday, July 12, 2012 Open 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.• Friday, July 13, 2012 Open 3-11 p.m.• Saturday, July 14, 2012 Open 3-5 p.m.

Scheduled Events and activitiesWednesday, July 11, 2012

• Early Arrivals Registration and Hospitality Room gathering 3:00 - 11 p.m.Thursday, July 12, 2012

• 8:45 a.m. - Assemble for bus - 9 a.m. Departure - Visit to Ft. Lewis-Returning Not Later Th an 3:45 p.m.

• 5-9 p.m. - Welcome Event Pizza and Beer (no host) in the Atrium/Hospitality Room.

Friday, July 13, 2012• 9 a.m.-12 p.m. - Crew Brunch at Boeing Museum of Flight-Presentation

regarding Dong Ha and tour museum.• Evening - “Sub-reunion” get-togethers by “era” or “location.”

Saturday, July 14, 2012• 4 p.m. - Next Reunion Committee Meeting-Hospitality Room• 5-6:30 p.m. - Happy Hour-Banquet Room Area• 6:30 p. m. - Invocation• 6:40 p.m. - Memorial, Toasts• 7:10 p.m. - Meal, followed by speaker, reunion closing

In addition to the scheduled events, while you are here you might want to consider enjoying

some of these outstanding local attractions

Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour

Facility is home to the 747, 757, 777, and 787

39 miles north of hotel, in Mukilteo

Tours 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

90 minute tours

Call 1-800-464-1476 for reservations

Adult reserved tickets $18 each

Pike Place Market

Pike Street and 1st Avenue, Seattle

Open M-Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nine acres of food and merchants

14 mile drive from hotel

4 blocks west of light rail stop at Westlake Center

LeMAY- America’s Car Museum

Opened 12 June 2012

165,000 sq-ft museum

Space for 350 cars, trucks and motorcycles

Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Adult Entrance Fee $14, Seniors (65+) $12

22 Miles south of hotel at Tacoma Dome exit

A more comprehensive list of attractions is posted at the Hospitality Room.

Our History Began Here

The fi rst 4 months

The 220TH Aviation Company (Surveillance Airplane Light) was organized at Fort Lewis, Washington, on April 15, 1965, in accordance with the authority contained in DA Message 707331 dated March 16, 1965, and Sixth US Army General Order 28, dated March 29,1965.

Organization and equipping the company was accomplished under the able leadership of Major Jerry R. Curry, Infantry. Equipment, less aircraft, was drawn, packed and delivered to the dock in Tacoma, Washington on 10 June 1965. Concurrent with equipping, personnel were undergoing a vigorous POR qualification program including rigorous physical training.

At the same time, in an adjoining area at Fort Lewis, the 231st Signal Detachment (Avionics Repair) was organized and prepared for shipment with the 220th. The detachment was attached to the 220th for avionics and repair support. It was commanded by Second Lieutenant Robert P. Covino, Signal Corps.

The 220th ― Off to War

Major Curry remembered what happened to the poorly equipped “Task Force Smith” at the beginning of the Korean War. Even though he had instructions from U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, to deploy without weapons and ammunition he took a lesson from history and ordered that his men deploy with weapons and ammunition.

On June 17, 1965, Major Curry led the advance party of seven officers and nine enlisted men to Vietnam. Upon arrival they found that their original base station had been changed from a relatively safe location in the south to the northern, most contested, area of the country to support the 3rd U.S. Marine Division.

The main body, led by the executive officer, Captain William O. Schmale, Artillery, closed out at Fort Lewis and departed McChord AFB, Washington, on July 1,1965. The company was transported in three C-130 transports bound for Da Nang, RVN. The first aircraft landed at Da Nang on July 4, 1965; the last landed on 6 July 1965.

The company was at 82% authorized enlisted personnel strength and 100% officer strength upon arrival in RVN.

Check The Catkiller web site at http://www.catkillers.org/rac-history.html

for more historical information

• Photo provided by Dewey Grocox

Guardian of the DMZ — Eyes of I Corps Support Provided IncludedOur Mission

Th e 220th was assigned to support I Corps Headquarters, the USMC units operating in the Da Nang area and northern I Corps, Special Forces units, and ARVN Divisions in the area.

Th eir area of operations encompassed the northern most fi ve RVN provinces of Quang Ngai, Quang Tin, Quang Nam, Th ua Th ien and Quang Tri.

Additionally, from July 1965 until March1967, 4th platoon was detached and attached to augment the 219th Aviation Company, “Headhunters” at Holloway Airfi eld, Pleiku, in II Corps.

Bases of Operation Included

Dong Ha AFKhe Sanh AF

Hue-Citadel AFHue Phu Bai AF

Da Nang-Marble Mountain AF

Da Nang AB

Quang Ngai AF

††

• Visual Reconnaissance • Target Acquisition • Forward Air Control • Close Air Support • Aerial Photography• Convoy Escort

• Artillery and Naval Gunfi re Adjustment

• Radio Relay• Leafl et Drops• Limited Medical Evacuation• Bomb Damage Assessment

Capabilities

Units Supported 1965 — 1971

ARVN 1st Infantry Division (Primarily Hue area and North of Da Nang)

ARVN 2nd Infantry Division (Primarily Quang Ngai area and South of Da Nang)

ARVN I Corps Headquarters (Da Nang)

1st Marine Division (South of Da Nang—Quang Ngai, Quang Tin and Quang Nam Provinces). Arrived in Chu Lai in August 1965

1st Marine Aircraft Wing (Based at Chu Lai)

3nd Marine Division (North of Da Nang—Thua Thien and Quang Tri Provinces)

Initially deployed as the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in 1965—reorganized as the III Marine Amphibious Force in 1966 with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Chu Lai, 1st Marine Division at Chu Lai and 3rd Marine Division at Da Nang with a HQ Division (Fwd) at Phu Bai)

Naval Task Force ClearwaterConsisting of Dong Ha River Security Group and Hue River Security Group . TF Clearwater was a riverine force; it was gradually wound down as ground security in the area improved.

Naval Task Force 116

Provided by Gene Wilson

ARVN 7th Vietnamese Airborne Regiment (part of a Task Force after Tet ‘68 with the 1st ARVN Infantry Division in the restoration of Hue City)

173rd Airborne Brigade (US) [with XXIV Corps]

1st Cavalry Division (US) [TET Offensive 1968—Hue, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh and A Shau until May, possibly June]

Americal Division (originally Task Force OREGON)—based at Chu Lai

196th Light Infantry Brigade (US) [with the Americal Division, XXIV Corps]. 196th Light Infantry Brigade belonged to the Americal Division, also known as 23rd Infantry Division. All three light brigades had been activated as independent units for service in Vietnam, then consolidated under the reactivated Americal.

XXIV Corps (HQ in Phu Bai – later in Da Nang) [Also seen as 24th Corps]

1st Brigade (Separate), 101st Airborne Division (US)

101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) [US]

5th Special Forces Group (US) [Throughout I Corps]

1st Brigade, 5th Mechanized Division (US)

3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (US)

108th Field Artillery Group (US)

US Army MACV Advisers (Throughout I Corps)

Seabees (US) [Throughout I Corps

220th Aviation Company Lineage and Honors

Provided by Dewey GrocoxProvided by Gene Wilson

Our Keynote Speaker Jerry Curry

Our Master of CeremoniesJames M. Morris

Major General, U.S. Army - Retired

Brigadier General, U.S. Army - RetiredG eneral Morris began his career with BA Degree from St. Bonaventure University and a commission as a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserve on 3 June 1962. He has served in a number of command and staff assignments to include Unit Commander with E Battalion, 36th Artillery; 6th Battalion, 32d Artillery; as a Captain in 1965, he served as Section Leader and Fixed Wing Aviator with the 220th Aviation Company stationed in the Republic of Vietnam; Plans and Training Offi cer, Headquarters and Service Company, United States Army Aviation Center Regiment; Helicopter Pilot, 42d Infantry Division Artillery; Platoon Commander, Company B, 42nd Aviation Battalion; On 22 June 1971 he was assigned as S-3, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Aviation Battalion; Assistant Division Aviation Offi cer, Battalion S-3 and subsequently Battalion Commander, 42nd

Aviation Battalion; Brigade Commander, 2d Brigade, 42d Infantry Division; and Assistant Division Commander. On 13 December 1988, he was promoted to the grade of Brigadier General.

General Morris’ awards and decorations include: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (17 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (40LC), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (10LC), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge, New York State Military Commendation Medal, New York State Long and Faithful Service Medal (20LC), New York State Aid to Civil Authorities, and the New York State Humane Service Medal

A decorated combat veteran, Army Aviator, Paratrooper and Ranger, Jerry entered the U.S. Army as a private during the Korean War and worked his way up to Major General before retiring. Most of his time was spent in troop assignments in the United States, Germany and Korea. He also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Carter Administration, as Press Secretary to the Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration, and worked in international relations, public affairs, management, aviation, and research and development. Along the way, he earned a bachelors degree from the University of Nebraska/Omaha, a M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, and a doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary.

During the Viet Nam War, in July 1965, Jerry was selected to activate, command and make combat ready the new 220th Aviation Company and lead its deployment to I Corps in the northern most area of the Republic of Vietnam. He also served as a U.S. Advisor to a South Vietnamese infantry regiment and fl ew helicopters and reconnaissance planes. In the military he was known for his forceful leadership skills and his demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently well, particularly under crisis conditions.

General Curry commanded the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM) headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. TECOM was responsible for performing Engineering Development Testing to determine whether all Army equipment including jeeps, trucks of all types, self propelled artillery, tanks, electronics, airplanes, helicopters and missiles is safe to operate, free from defects and is in compliance with all of the Army’s technical specifi cations.

TECOM’s subordinate commands include the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Dugway Proving Ground, Edgewood Arsenal, Jefferson Proving Ground, Yuma Proving Ground, the Electronics Proving Ground, Army Aviation Test Center at Fort Rucker, Cold Region Test Center in Alaska, and the Tropic Test Center in Panama.

At the time of his retirement Jerry was Deputy V Corps Commander in Frankfurt, Germany. He then worked in the private sector and spent three years as Administrator of the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the Bush Administration. He is currently an opera singer and business consultant.

WE HONOR THE BRAVE MEN THAT FLEW WITH US AS AERIAL OBSERVERS

The hundreds of eagle eyed back seat men from the Marine Corps, Navy, Army and ARVN took on all the same risks as the pilots and

trusted them to bring them back safely. Their courage, skill and teamwork was critical to the success of our missions.

Here are just a few of them.

• Tom Spruck 108th Arty

J. D. Richards USMC AO

Rick Azotea - 101st AO

Joe "Beans: Brett AO Sundowner Yankee

Herb DeGroft USMC AO 66-67

Albert Slater USMC AO

Carl Collins USMC AO 66-67

Jesse Mulkey USMC AO 67

Mike LaFromboise USMC AO

Clyde Trathowen USMC AO 68-69

SSG Roger Putnam

Bob Ziomeck AO Sundowner Kilo

WERE IT NOT FOR THE DEDICATION OF ALL THE GOOD MEN WE NEVER WOULD

HAVE GOTTEN IN THE AIRAll of the enlisted soldiers, from PFC to the First Sergeant, were essential to safety and

success of the missions flown by pilots and aerial observers! Their devotion to duty and skill in performing their work, often in difficult circumstances, played a huge role

in our success and sterling reputation with the combat units we supported. We Honor all of them and thank them for their service.

Last Change of Command as Captain Sapp takes charge

Steaks on the BBQ with Capt. Paul Garin1971

Not another bullet hole!

circa 1971

We'll do anything to keep them flying!

Unpacking 2.75" Rockets

Jim Turnbow Supply Sgt. 1969Paperwork never stops

Here are just a representative few of these great men.

We observed, we answered the panicked calls and engaged the enemy with everything available to destroy the threat. We worked hard and played hard.

We developed strong bonds with our band of brothers.

OUR PILOTS DELIVERED!

2003 ReunionLas Vegas, NV

2006 ReunionLeague City, TX,

2010 ReunionPhiladelphia, PA

And we made life-long friendships.

• Richard F. Corcoran, CAPT, USMC, June 7, 1968, Quang Tri*

• Jim Baranowski, 1972

• Daryl Spann, 1970s*

• Russ Blanchard, 1980

• Scott Randall Burke, 1986*

• Donald J. Johnson, 1987

• Troy Duplesis, Nov. 1990*

• Arne Roebuck, 1990

• Raymond Gene Gebhardt, 1993

• Ron Grooms, 1994

• William W. “Bill” Norton, Dec. 1994*

• John “Rik” Billings, 1995

• Lonnie Joseph Odom, 1997

• Jay Fenwick, 2002

• Alan O’Hollaren, 2003

• Charles L. “Woody” Woodhurst, 2003

• Bobby Goodspeed, 2003

• Sammy Cooper, 2003

• Floyd Castren, 2004

• Palmer Swift Haines, 2004

• Johnny Clay Moore, April 2004

• John T. Mulvany, 2004

• Terry Scruggs, 2004

• Robert “Lucy” Lucianno, 2005*

• Joseph N. Robinson, 2006

• Joe Hodges, December 2009

• Wayne Kenneth Woytowich, June 2009

• Tony Keltner, August 2009

• Gene K.Hayes, March 2010

• Gustof Otto Fajerson, November 5, 2010*

• Charles M. Kieff er, January 9, 2011*

• Jesse Glenn Mulkey, Col, USMC, Retired, April 12, 2011*

• Robert “Wayne” Parker, MSGT Ret., May 18, 2012*

• Larry Huston, June 29, 2012

• Bill Amberger, unknown

• Robert Henry Teer, unknown

• William D. “Bill” Welch, unknown

• Richard Terwelp, unknown

• Th omas F. O’Toole, 1stLt, USMC, date of death unknown*

Recently Learned About or Deceased After Returning Home:

Those in red with * are announced as having died after return from Vietnam and came to our attention since the last reunion:

• Richhaarrrdd FF. Corcoraann, CAAPPTT, UUUSSSSSMMMMCCCCC,,, JJJJJJuuuunnne 7, 1199996688, QQuang Trii*

• Jimm BBarraaanowskkkkkii,, 119997777222

• DDDaaryyl Spannn, 1111999770s*

•• RRRRRRuss Blaanncchharddd,, 19800

• SSSSScccooooottttttttt RRRRRRRRRRRRRaaaaaannnnddall Burke, 19998866*

• Donaldd JJJJ.. JJJJJJJJooooohhhhhhhhnnnnsssssoooooonnn,, 111119987

• TTTrooyy DDDDuuppplllleeeessssiiss, NNoov. 11999999000**

• AArrrnnnnneee RRRRRRRRooooeeebbbbbbbbuuuucccckkkkk,,, 1990

••• RRRRRRaaaaaayyymmmonnndddd GGene GGGGGeebhardt, 11993

• Ron GGrooommmsss,, 1994

• William W. ““BBBillll” NNoorrtttoon, Dec. 111999999944*

• JJJoohn “RRiikk” Biilllingggss,,, 1995

• LLLLoooonnnnniiee JJJJJooossssseeeeepppphhhhh OOddoommm, 111999999997777777

•• JJaayy FFenwick, 2002

• Alan O’Hollaren, 2003

• CCharles L. “Woody” Wooddhhuurst, 2003

• Bobbbbyy Goodspeed, 2003

•• Sammmmyyy CCCoooooopppeeerrr, 2200033

• FFllooyddd CCasttren, 2004

• Palmmer SSSSwwiiftft HHaines,, 2004

•• Johhhnnnnnnnyyyyyy CCCCCCCClaayyyy MMooooreeee,,,, Appriiilllll 22222222200000044

•• John T. MMuuulvvannyyyyyyy,, 222220000044444

••••• TTeerry Scrugggsss,, 22222220000000444444

•••• Rooobbertt “Lucyy””” LLLLLLLLuuuuucccciiiiiiiaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnoo, 200000005*****

• Joseeeppphhhhhh NNNNN. RRobinsssooonnn, 22000066

•• JJJoooeeeeee HHHHHHHooodddggggggeeeeeesss, Decemmbbeerr 20000000000099999999

•• WWWWWaaaaayyyyynnnneee KKKKKKeeeennnneth WWWWooooyyttowwiicccchhhh,,, JJJunnee 2220000999

•• TTTTooooonnnyy Kelltttnnneer, Auggguuuuuusssstttt 2222200000000000099

•• GGGenneee KK.Haayyyes, MMMMMaaaaarrrccchhhhh 222200010

• GGuussttooff OOtto FFajerrrssonn, NNNNoovveemmbbeer 5555555, 22222200100**

• CCCCChhhaaarrrllleeeessssssssss MM.. Kieffffffff eerrrr,,,, January 9, 22011**

• Jesse GGGGGlllleeennnnnnnnnnn MMMMuulkeyyyy,, CCooll,, UUUUSSSMMCCCCC,, RRRRReeetttttiiirrreeedddddd,,, JJAppprrriilll 122, 20111*

•• Robert “WWWWaaaaayyynne” Parkkkeerrr,,, MMMSSGTT RRet., Mayyy 18888,,,,, 222001122**

• Larry Husstonn, JJJuunnnnnnnnneeee 222999, 2012

• Bill Amberger, uuuunnkkknnnnnnooowwwnnnnn

•• RRobert Henry TTeeeerr,, unnkknoowwnn

• WWilliaam D. “Bill”” WWelch, unknnoowwn

• RRRRRiiiiccccchhhhhaaarrrddddd TTTTTeeerrrwwwweeeelllllppp, uuuuunnnnkkkkkknnnnooooowwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnn

• ThThTh ooommaas F. O’Toole, 1sttLLttt,, UUSSSMMMMMMMMMMCCC, dddaattee of death unknowwnnn**

TThhoose iin red withhh **** aaaaaaaaaaarrrrree aaaannnnnnnnnnooouuuunnnnccceeeeeddddddddddd aaaassssss havinnngggggggg ddddiiiiieeeeeeeeedddd aaaaaaffffffffffffffttttteeeerrrrrrrrr rettuuuuurrrnnnn ffrommmm ***Vietnam and ccaaammmmmmeeeeeeeeeee ttoooo oouuurr aaatttttteeeennnttttiioonn sinncccceeeeeeeeeeee ttttthhhheeeeee lllllaaasstt rrrreeeeeuunnnnnnniiiiiiooooooooonnnnnn::::::

Our reunion is held in honor of our brothers in arms and in memory of our fallen Catkillers.

See the actual rubbings from the wall in the newly createdframed memorial tribute to our fallen.

SSeeee thheeee aactual rubbings ffrroommm the wall inn ttttthhhhheeeee nnnnnewly createdframed memoorriaallll ttttrrriibbute to ooouuuurrr ffaallenn..

KILLED IN ACTION:Ronald Miller Fero WO December 20,1965 Quang Ngai Prov.Marvin Leroy Shipman PFC December 20,1965 Quang Ngai Prov.Robert Wilton Garth, Jr. CPT September 23, 1966 Near Mo DucLloyd Taylor Rugge 1LT January 26, 1967 Near Duc PhoWilliam Anthony Berry 1stLt March 5, 1967 Quang Ngai, USMC AOBobby Ray Jermyn CPT May 23, 1967 Near Con ThienLouis Ferdinand Keeven CW2 December 4, 1967 Quang Tri Prov.William Arthur Kimsey WO1 January 21, 1968 Within DMZCharles James Ramsay Capt January 21, 1968 Within DMZ, USMCTerance M. Bozarth 1LT February 22, 1968 Near HueJames Houston Roulett SP5 June 27, 1968 Da NangWilliam Otto Schmale MAJ August 23, 1968 NearTay NinhBenjamin C. Hartman CPT (P) September 19 1968 Darloc ProvMichael S. LaFromboise 1stLt June 6, 1969 Quang Tri Prov., USMCLarrie John Landersheim WO May 23, 1970 Quang Tri Prov.Lee Raymond Peters WO July 30, 1970 Dong HaForrest Hughy Hollifi eld 1LT July 30, 1970 Dong Ha (108th Arty)James Hall Spann CPT November 26, 1971 Phu Bai

STILL MISSING IN ACTION:

Donald Lee Harrison 1LT October 29, 1968 North of DMZSteven Neil Bezold 1LT October 29, 1968 North of DMZ, (108th)Hugh McNeil Byrd Jr. CPT January 9, 1968 Quang Tri Prov.Kevin O’Brien 1LT January 9, 1969 Quang Tri Prov, (108th)Paul Jennings Bates Jr. Capt August 10, 1969 Quang Tri Prov.Albert Dolan SP5 August 10, 1971 Quang Tri Prov.Floyd Dean Caldwell SSG December 14, 1971 South China Sea

The YO-3A "Quiet Star" Section In the later part of June 1970, a section of three YO-3A Aircraft and crews was attached to the 220th at Phu Bai. These low altitude “Silent Stealth” night reconnaissance aircraft

worked in the DMZ for the next six months into January 1971.

Their missions were normally flown at an optimum altitude of about 800´ MSL. Although these aircraft were never actually intended to be military aircraft, the primary mission of the YO-3A by the Army was to see what they could do to interrupt and ultimately destroy

enemy night operations.

Another group of YO-3As worked in southern Vietnam out of Long Thanh North. These aircraft were not armed with weapons and their only protection was their silent operation. However, the YO-3A was “armed” with a Night Vision Aerial Periscope, an Infrared Illuminator and a Laser Target Designator in its “arsenal” of mission equipment. There

is much more information about the YO-3A Unit in the link on www.catkiller.org.

NOTE: Kurt Ohney, who was a 220th Crew Chief with the YO-3A section is here at our reunion..

He is the web master for the YO-3A site and should be able to answer questions relating to the YO-3A and its working relationship with the 220th

in its mission in the I Corps area.

Special Thanks To...The 2012 Catkiller reunion committee recognizes the tremendous work done by the leaders of the 2006 and 2010 reunion committees and greatly appreciates the knowledge transfer they provided as we began preparations for this year’s reunion. Thank you for your generous support Sandy and Carl Drechsel, Bud Bruton, and Charles Finch.

For this 2012 Reunion - Special thanks to:

Norm MacPhee - CoordinatorAl PaulsenGene WilsonCharlie WelshDarl McAllister

Lloyd OakeDick TobiasonDon Ricks Paul GarinJack Bentley

Your 2012 Reunion Committee

We also thank all of the people who have shared stories and photos for the Catkiller Web Site.

Jerry CurryJim Morris NanSea WelshSharon PaulsenFloy Ann McPheeDon RicksEric TobiasonEric LongBill EverettStuart MillerChico FernandezInvisible Creature, Inc.

Don Clark The Frame Makers Co.

Anna JohnsonRami Alhakeem Kim Wiser

Staff of the DoubleTree Suites

-SouthCenterDiane WittDiana Waddell

The Museum of Flight StaffMeagan McGuire

McCormick & Schmick’s Catering StaffJannette Mawhirter

Heritage Flight MuseumBill AndersGreg Anders

Fort Lewis TourMatt HinkleDoug SaundersMyles GrantMajor Phil Mazingo

The old gate at Fort Lewis in now closed.

Our Bird Dogs have been replaced by UAV's.

All the aircraft we fl ew are now museum attractions.

Let's get together again soon!


Recommended